Garlic lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re craving tender, juicy chicken wings coated in a rich, sticky garlic sauce—but don’t want to deep-fry, babysit the oven, or dirty half your kitchen—these Easy Garlic Chicken Wings are about to become your new favorite recipe. Cooked gently in one pot, these wings soak up a savory-sweet garlic glaze that tastes like it took hours to perfect (spoiler: it didn’t).
This recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimum effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a game-day spread, or a cozy weekend meal, these garlic chicken wings deliver big, comforting flavors with simple pantry ingredients. No fancy techniques. No complicated marinades. Just honest, crave-worthy food.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Garlic Chicken Wings
There are a lot of chicken wing recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few important reasons:
- One-pot cooking means fewer dishes and less cleanup
- Slow-simmered garlic sauce infuses every bite with flavor
- No frying required, making it easier and less messy
- Perfect balance of savory and sweet from soy sauce and honey
- Tender, juicy wings that don’t dry out
This dish is ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. If you’re new to cooking, the method is forgiving and straightforward. If you’re experienced, you’ll appreciate how easily it adapts to different flavors and heat levels.
Who This Recipe Is For
These garlic chicken wings are perfect for:
- Busy families who want a satisfying homemade meal
- Students or beginner cooks looking for a reliable recipe
- Garlic fans who believe there’s no such thing as “too much garlic”
- Anyone hosting casual gatherings or game nights
- Meal preppers who want leftovers that reheat beautifully
If you enjoy comforting, saucy chicken dishes that feel indulgent without being complicated, this recipe absolutely belongs in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make these flavorful wings:
- Chicken wings – 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
- Garlic cloves – 10–12, finely minced
- Soy sauce – ½ cup (120 ml)
- Honey – 3 tbsp (45 ml)
- Butter – 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Chicken stock – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Salt – 1 tsp (6 g)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp (3 g)
- Chilli flakes (optional) – ½ tsp (3 g)
- Fresh parsley (optional) – 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish
These ingredients work together to create a glossy garlic sauce that clings beautifully to the wings.
Kitchen Equipment NeededYou don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe. Here’s what helps:
- Large, deep pot or Dutch oven with a lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs (optional but helpful)
That’s it. One pot does all the heavy lifting.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the sauce cling better and prevents excess liquid in the pot.
Season the wings lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic
Place your pot over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic, as that can make the sauce bitter.
3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine. Add chilli flakes at this stage if you want a gentle kick of heat.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Chicken Wings
Carefully add the chicken wings to the pot, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top to coat them evenly.
5. Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the wings simmer gently for about 35–45 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
As the wings cook, they’ll absorb the garlic sauce and become incredibly tender.
6. Reduce the Sauce
Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and glaze the wings. Turn the wings occasionally so they’re evenly coated.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Wings
- Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced, for the best flavor
- Don’t rush the simmer—low heat keeps the wings juicy
- Taste the sauce near the end and adjust sweetness or salt
- For extra caramelization, broil the wings for 3–5 minutes after cooking
Recipe Variations and Easy Swaps
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize:
- Spicy garlic wings: Add extra chilli flakes or a splash of chili sauce
- Garlic ginger wings: Add 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- Soy sauce substitute: Use tamari or coconut aminos
- Honey alternative: Maple syrup or brown sugar work well
- Crispier finish: Transfer wings to the oven or air fryer briefly
You can even turn this into a garlic chicken drumstick or thigh recipe using the same method—just adjust cooking time.
What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Wings
These wings pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Steamed jasmine or garlic rice
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots)
For drinks, try iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, or a light beer. The sweetness of the sauce balances nicely with refreshing beverages.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage
Let the wings cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring to coat in sauce
- Oven: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes
Add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. These wings taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze garlic chicken wings?
You can freeze them, but the sauce texture may change slightly. Freeze for up to one month in an airtight container.
Are these wings very sweet?
No. The honey adds balance rather than overpowering sweetness. You can always reduce it slightly if preferred.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. You can substitute olive oil, though butter adds richness.
Do I need to marinate the wings first?
No marinating is required. The slow simmer does all the work.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Garlic Chicken Wings prove that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy equipment to make something truly delicious. With bold garlic flavor, tender chicken, and a glossy sauce that begs to be spooned over rice, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you try this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more easy, flavor-packed recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!
Easy Garlic Chicken Wings recipe
